Cleaning engine block and parts?

[mikeysgt]

hey guys. just wanted a quick answer on what i can use to clean an engine block and some stock parts im going to be getting. I picked up a used shortblock from Ed here and im going to start cleaning it up today. I already have the little brushes to clean it. I just need to know what i should spray on there to get the oil and gunk off? is there any part of the block i should avoid spraying that can mess up?

i was thinking of using brake cleaner and some engine degreaser. on my way to the auto parts store in five minutes

 

[2k05gt]

Pick up a small electric pressure washer and your favorite engine degreaser, Avoid the fuss box and Cover the Alternator with a plastic bag... Thats what I do.

 

[mikeysgt]

Thanks for the reply. my dad has a big pressure washer at home i can use. so no part of the shortblock can get messed up by spraying the degreaser and pressure washing?

 

[2k05gt]

Thanks for the reply. my dad has a big pressure washer at home i can use. so no part of the shortblock can get messed up by spraying the degreaser and pressure washing?

No, none, remove the sensors but no external metal parts could get hurt by high pressure water (fan spray).

 

[cdutchess78]

wet it down with hot water, spray simple green( autozone,advance auto) on and let soak for 5-10 minutes. spray off and most gunks should be gone. also works wonders for a car show to keep engine bay clean.

 

[US-1]

Is this an engine that you are going to be building?

 

[mikeysgt]

Is this an engine that you are going to be building?

Yeah. It's the block off Ed I had told you about. I'm picking up heads and some other small stuff from Paul tomorrow morning and want to get everything looking good before I wrap them up on the engine stand. I was going to ask you what you use to clean everything up. Glad you found this thread

 

[mikeysgt]

I just realized the other guys thought i was talking about my engine bay. I know how to clean that and what to avoid. This is a bare shortblock im going to be building like SD said

 

[mac10chap]

I just realized the other guys thought i was talking about my engine bay. I know how to clean that and what to avoid. This is a bare shortblock im going to be building like SD said

I was gonna say...I'm no engine genious, but I wouldnt think it is a good idea to go at a bare block with a pressure washer. Just wouldnt be confident that I got ALL the water out of there before you start your build.

I found this website that demonstrates the remanufacturing process with cleaning method...professional that is.
http://www.promarengine.com/engines.asp#e5

 

[mikeysgt]

That's why I was asking about how to go about cleaning it up. I don't think so either. I won't be putting it all together for a few months still but wanted to get started doing what I could right now. I saw some videos where they baked the block to get it cleaned. But I'm looking to keep it simple for now

 

[Kuro!]

It should be like $50 or so to have a machine shop clean it. That's what I did with my old 2V 4.6

And they even wrapped it for me.

 

[mikeysgt]

Yeah but that's $50 I could use towards pistons an stuff I really need. Rather just do it myself. Makes it more fun that way

 

[US-1]

Yeah but that's $50 I could use towards pistons an stuff I really need. Rather just do it myself. Makes it more fun that way

It will have to be cleaned at the machine shop anyway. Don't be a cheapass.

 

[mikeysgt]

It will have to be cleaned at the machine shop anyway. Don't be a cheapass.

haha I'm not trying to be cheap. I'll get it done when it's ready to be assembled. Just want to get some of the oil and dirt off the block in the meantime.

 

[US-1]

You'll get it done before it is to be machined too, Slick. For now.....Simple Green, that Purple shit that Castrol sells, even the scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner will work. Set it out in the sun for an hour or so to let it get warm then do your cleaning.

 

[mikeysgt]

You'll get it done before it is to be machined too, Slick. For now.....Simple Green, that Purple shit that Castrol sells, even the scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner will work. Set it out in the sun for an hour or so to let it get warm then do your cleaning.

perfect. that's the answer i was looking for. thanks

 

[mikeysgt]

this is how it looks now before i clean it up. Buying an engine stand this weekend

 

[Kuro!]

lol... you have your motor sitting unwrapped on the floor on a sheet of bubblewrap

 

[mikeysgt]

No took those pictures as soon as I got home and unloaded the block off my car haha. I was waiting for someone to say that. Buying the engine stand today

 

[Kuro!]

lol its all good. Just get that block wrapped ASAP.